Nantes, Administrative capital in Loire-Atlantique, France
Nantes is the capital of the Loire-Atlantique department in western France, situated where the Loire and Erdre rivers meet. The city spreads across several islands connected by many bridges, giving it a particular urban fabric.
The place was the capital of the Duchy of Brittany from the 15th century until integration into the Kingdom of France in 1532. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a major port for maritime trade, which shaped the architecture and wealth of the city.
The city hosts a large street art festival, with murals and urban artworks visible across many neighborhoods, from the center to former industrial zones. Several art spaces in old warehouses along the river also allow local artists to exhibit and work.
The center is easy to explore on foot, while trams and buses connect all the main districts of the metropolitan area. Bicycles can be rented at many stations, and most attractions are easy to reach using public transport.
The Passage Pommeraye, built in 1843, has three levels with Renaissance galleries, ornate sculptures, boutiques and a monumental staircase. Another notable detail is the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard area that is now an experimental neighborhood with modern buildings and public installations.
Location: Loire-Atlantique
Elevation above the sea: 22 m
Shares border with: Rezé, Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire, Orvault, La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Carquefou, Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire, Basse-Goulaine, Vertou, Bouguenais, Saint-Herblain, Treillières
Address: Nantes, France
Phone: +33240419000
Email: contact@mairie-nantes.fr
Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr
GPS coordinates: 47.21864,-1.55414
Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:36
This collection brings together the 50 most populous cities of France, from the metropolis to overseas territories. It includes the major urban centers shaping the national territory, from Paris with its capital status to regional metropolises like Marseille with its Mediterranean port, Lyon where...
This selection brings together 15 cities in France and Europe to celebrate New Year. All are accessible by train and offer different moods: the lively squares of Bordeaux, the cobbled streets of Strasbourg, the canals of Amsterdam, or the modern neighborhoods of Berlin. Each city has its own way of...
Nantes has a diverse restaurant scene that blends historic brasseries with modern dining. The city offers many establishments where regional specialties and fresh seafood sit alongside classic French cooking. You will find restaurants in historic buildings, along the Loire River, and at spots with...
Nantes invites you to discover a city where history is found at every corner. The old building facades tell stories of many years of shipping and exchanges, while the main squares stay lively and full of life. Gardens along the water and stone castles that overlook the city give peaceful spots to...
The Nantes region offers families year-round activities both indoors and outdoors. On rainy days, visitors can enjoy climbing gyms, escape rooms, trampoline parks, and virtual reality centers. Outside, water parks, botanical gardens, and adventure parks invite exploration. Karting tracks, bowling...
Nantes offers a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages. The city has several climbing gyms such as Block'out Nantes with its 1000 m² of climbing routes and boulders, aquatic complexes including the Petit-Port swimming pool with its 50-meter Olympic pool, as well as virtual reality centers...
Loire-Atlantique features numerous sports centers equipped for padel, spread across the entire department. These facilities provide indoor and outdoor courts suitable for players of all levels. Most centers offer racket and ball rentals, as well as courses taught by qualified instructors. Facilities...
The guinguettes of Loire-Atlantique offer outdoor dining locations, from the Nantes to Brest canal to the banks of the Loire. These seasonal establishments are found in various settings: riversides, municipal parks, wine estates with châteaux, bodies of water and canal locks. They serve meals and...
Stade de la Beaujoire
4.7 km
Machines of the Isle of Nantes
1.7 km
Château des ducs de Bretagne
469 m
Nantes Cathedral
301 m
Radiant city
3.5 km
Pont de Cheviré
5.3 km
Passage Pommeraye
726 m
Le Lieu unique
736 m
Maillé-Brézé
1.9 km
Zénith de Nantes Métropole
5.7 km
Jardin des plantes de Nantes
863 m
Place Royale
558 m
Les Anneaux
2.2 km
Nantes Museum of Arts
530 m
The Grand Elephant
1.6 km
Hangar à bananes
2.5 km
La Cigale
892 m
Théâtre Graslin
829 m
Grues Titan
2.6 km
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
1.3 km
Hôpital Saint-Jacques
2.7 km
Basilique Saint-Nicolas
442 m
Tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany
307 m
Musée Dobrée
1.2 km
Manège Paridis
4.5 km
Parc de Procé
2.1 km
Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien
1.5 km
Île de Versailles
798 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes